The Popularity of Silver-Haired Micro-Dramas: 
"Digital" Dopamine and "Emotional" Health Supplements

Hongjie Ding

doi:10.70711/rcha.v4i6.9993

The Popularity of Silver-Haired Micro-Dramas: "Digital" Dopamine and "Emotional" Health Supplements

Hongjie Ding

Abstract

With the rapid development of digital technology, micro-dramas have emerged as a major form of online entertainment. Against
this backdrop, silver-haired micro-dramas featuring middle-aged and elderly protagonists have gained remarkable popularity. Their success
reflects both the segmentation of the micro-drama market and the growing cultural needs of older adults in an aging society. This article examines the reasons for the popularity of silver-haired micro-dramas and analyzes how they meet older audiences' emotional needs through digital
media while contributing to cultural eldercare.

Keywords

Silver-haired short dramas; Micro-dramas; Sweet romance

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References

[1] China Netcasting Services Association. Short Dramas Enter the 2.0 Era: Eight Major Findings Released in the 2024 China Short Drama

Industry Development White Paper, 6 Nov. 2024, http://www.cnsa.cn/art/2024/11/6/art_1955_45923.html. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

[2] iResearch Consulting Group. 2024 China Short Drama Industry Research Report, 5 July 2024, https://www.iresearch.com.cn/Detail/

report?id=4360&isfree=0. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Yang, Yi. "Romanticism of Sweet Romance Dramas: Simple Love and 'Emotional Fetishism'." Art Panorama, vol. 4, 2021, pp. 44â€“50.

[5] Han, Weijuan. "Formation Causes and Reflections on the Media Landscape of Sweet Romance Dramas." China Television, vol. 8, 2021,

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[7] Ibid.

[8] Zhong, Han, and Yi Zhang. "Time-killing and Emotional Value Supply: Silver-Haired Short Dramas Gain Popularity." Jiefang Daily, 30

Oct. 2024, p. 005.

[9] Qiu, Wei. "Healthy Guidance Is Essential for the Silver-Haired Short Drama Boom." Beijing Daily, 19 Oct. 2024, p. 007.

[10] Wang, You. "Analysis of Elderly-Themed Film and Television Works under the Background of Cultural Pension." Literature Education

(Part II), vol. 5, 2019, pp. 56â€“57.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/rcha.v4i6.9993

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